Update

GEORGE NEWS - Former Southern Cape secretary of the ANC, Mzwanele Major Sokopo (48), and a former South African Revenue Service (Sars) accountant, Ndileka Precious Mfunda (55), have been acquitted of all charges of tax fraud and theft. 

They were, however, found guilty on charges relating to the contravention of the Tax Act.

Sokopo and Mfunda appeared in the Thembalethu Regional Court on Wednesday 17 May. Their next court appearance is on 12 July for the defence lawyers to study the judgement.

Sokopo said he is very relieved about the acquittal and glad that the matter has been mostly resolved. "Unfortunately, a press release by the Hawks last week, which stated that we were found guilty on charges of tax fraud, was circulated nationally and I was inundated with calls from various news agencies and radio stations on the matter," he said.

The Hawks has sent out a second statement with rectifications.

History of the case

The case concerns the business Major General Trading CC, which was owned by Sokopo. Mfunda was a Sars accountant who was hired by this company as a consultant. They were summoned to appear in court by the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation team for alleged fraudulent claims to Sars from 2009 to 2014.

Both Sokopo and Mfunda pleaded not guilty on 49 charges (main and alternative counts) pertaining to fraud and failure to register for value added tax (Vat).

Mfunda's duties were to audit and interact with municipalities on behalf of Major General Trading CC. 

It was reported that the company entered into a contract with Bitou Municipality, Oudtshoorn Municipality and Ventersdorp Municipality to administer their tax returns and to submit them.

ALSO READ: Judgement awaits Sokopo and Co. in May

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